29 children in Nigeria could face death penalty for participating in protests

Twenty-nine children could be sentenced to death in Nigeria after being accused of participating in protests on Friday. UNN writes with reference to the Associated Press.

Details

The cost of living crisis has led to numerous mass protests in Nigeria in recent months. In August, at least 20 people were killed during protests as young people demanded better opportunities and jobs.

As of now, 76 protesters have been charged, including 29 minors who could face the death penalty. According to the documents, the ages of the accused children range from 14 to 17 years old.

The protesters were charged with 10 counts, including high treason, destruction of property, violation of public order and rebellion, as stated in the indictment.

Although the death penalty was introduced in Nigeria in the 1970s, it has not been applied since 2016.

Marshal Abubakar, a lawyer for some of the defendants, said that the court set bail at 10 million naira (about $5,900) for each defendant and set strict conditions that have not yet been met.

“A country that has a duty to educate its children has decided to punish them. These children have been in detention for 90 days without food,” Abubakar said.

He added that four children fainted in court due to exhaustion before they had time to file a motion for protection.

Yemi Adamolekun, Executive Director of Enough is Enough, an organization that fights for good governance in Nigeria, is convinced that the authorities have no right to prosecute minors.

“The Chief Justice of Nigeria should be ashamed of herself because she is a woman and a mother,” Adamolekun said.

Recall

Earlier, Nigerian security forces detained seven Polish citizens, including six students and a teacher, who allegedly hung Russian flags during protests against economic difficulties in the West African country